Niger State’s digital awakening: From a sleeping giant to Nigeria’s emerging tech frontier

Nestled in the heart of Nigeria’s North Central region, Niger State has long been a land of untapped potential. Spanning more than 76,000 square kilometres – the largest landmass of any Nigerian state – it has arable land, abundant water resources, and a rich historical legacy.

Known as the Power State for its four hydropower dams, Niger State has also been the cradle of political heavyweights, including two former heads of state, and the site of Nigeria’s amalgamation in Zungeru. Yet, despite its symbolic and resource wealth, the state has remained a quiet player in Nigeria’s burgeoning technology sector.

That silence, however, is giving way to a bold new narrative under the visionary leadership of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.

With strategic investments, a capable technocrat at the helm, and a unique blend of infrastructure and talent advantages, Niger State is poised to awaken as Nigeria’s next tech powerhouse, challenging the dominance of Lagos and drawing inspiration from transformative models like Rwanda’s ICT revolution.

A new dawn in Niger: a pioneering tech ministry

In 2023, Governor Bago signalled Niger State’s digital ambitions by establishing the Ministry of Communications Technology and Digital Economy, a pioneering move for the state. This decision mirrors the federal government’s creation of a similar ministry.

However, subnational tech initiatives often falter due to weak leadership, underfunding, or resistance from entrenched interests. Niger State, under Bago’s administration, appears determined to defy this trend.

Honourable Suleiman Isah, the state’s first Commissioner for Communications Technology and Digital Economy, is at the forefront of this transformation. Isah’s credentials make him a standout choice in a political space, which is often criticised for prioritising loyalty and nepotism over competence and merit.

Holding an MSc in Information Security and Digital Forensics from the University of East London and a BSc in Computer Science and IT from Igbinedion University, Isah brings a robust academic foundation.

His professional journey is equally compelling; at the Niger State Internal Revenue Service, he spearheaded automation initiatives that enhanced revenue tracking and curbed leakages. His federal experience at the Federal Inland Revenue Service saw him manage IT security and deploy networks across over 100 locations.

This blend of technical expertise and public-sector savvy positions Isah to drive meaningful digital reforms.

Niger’s infrastructural advantage

Niger State’s infrastructure sets it apart as a prime destination for tech investment. Its four hydropower dams, Kainji, Shiroro, Jebba, and Zungeru, offer a reliable energy potential, a critical factor for tech ventures.

Data centres and software development hubs require stable power, and Niger’s energy advantage gives it a competitive edge over cities like Lagos, where power outages remain a challenge despite its status as Africa’s tech capital.

Niger’s abundant water from the Niger and Kaduna rivers adds to its appeal. These resources could support water-cooled data centres, which manage heat from high-performance computing, making the state attractive for tech infrastructure.

Rwanda’s ICT transformation provides a model with stable power and broadband investments that attract firms like IBM and Visa to Kigali. Niger, with its hydropower and central location, could similarly position itself as a hub for data-intensive industries.

Physical connectivity is another strength. Niger’s functional airport in Minna, with its long runway, facilitates easy access for investors and tech professionals. The Lagos-Kano standard gauge railway, passing through the state, enhances logistics and connectivity to major economic hubs.

Its central location, bridging Nigeria’s North and Southwest, and proximity to the Federal Capital Territory make it an ideal base for tech companies seeking regional reach.

Cost efficiency is a significant draw. With lower living expenses than in Lagos or Abuja, tech firms can reduce staffing costs while maintaining access to urban amenities in cities like Minna, Bida, and Suleja. This cost advantage, combined with reliable infrastructure, positions Niger as an attractive alternative for startups and multinationals alike.

Talent: A pipeline ready to power innovation

Niger State’s tertiary institutions, including the Federal University of Technology Minna, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, and others, produce a steady stream of young, trainable talent.

The state’s TechSis initiative, hosted by the Ministry of Communications Technology, underscores a focus on inclusive talent development, particularly for women. The state has undertaken various skilling programmes, like the build-a-thon for school pupils to introduce them to robotics, IoT, coding, etc.

It has also trained artisans and traders on financial inclusion and e-commerce in native languages. The populace’s acceptance of these programmes underscores a willing population for any skilling interventions in the state.

Moreover, Niger could adopt digital governance initiatives, leveraging Isah’s expertise in automation to streamline government processes and attract tech-driven investment. Niger can nurture incubators and accelerators to support local startups.

Diversifying beyond agriculture

Governor Bago’s agricultural revolution, earning him the moniker Farmer Governor, has positioned Niger as a potential food basket for Nigeria, with initiatives like the $2 billion soybean deal with Direkci Group and a $678 million agro-industrial zone with China.

Yet, Bago recognises that true economic resilience requires diversification. His administration’s focus on technology as a parallel growth engine reflects this foresight.

Bago’s investor-friendly approach, evident in his agricultural partnerships, should now extend to tech. The state’s peaceful business environment and competitive incentives make it an appealing destination for FDI.

By treating technology with the same urgency as agriculture, Niger can diversify its economy, create high-paying jobs, and reduce reliance on volatile oil revenues, a priority for Nigeria as a whole.

Niger State stands at a pivotal moment. With robust infrastructure, a growing talent pool, and a visionary administration, it has the credentials to become Nigeria’s next tech hub. Governor Bagos’ strategic moves, establishing a dedicated tech ministry, appointing a qualified technocrat, and fostering an investor-friendly environment, signal a commitment to digital transformation.

If Niger State remains on track and plays its cards right, it could lead Nigeria’s next tech revolution, awakening the sleeping giant to become a beacon of innovation, talent, and prosperity.